Lisa Kudrow Finds Comfort in Watching 'Friends' After Matthew Perry's Death

The actress who played Phoebe Buffay says rewatching the sitcom has helped her process the loss of her co-star.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the shattered, glittering pieces of a disco ball, capturing the glamour and energy of the Friends television series.The shattered remnants of a disco ball, a symbol of the joy and laughter that Matthew Perry's Chandler Bing brought to millions of Friends fans.Los Angeles Today

Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay on the hit sitcom Friends, has opened up about how watching the show has been a source of comfort for her since the death of her co-star Matthew Perry in 2024. Kudrow, who previously avoided rewatching Friends, says she's found solace in revisiting the series and Chandler Bing's iconic comedic moments.

Why it matters

Kudrow's comments highlight the enduring legacy of Friends and the profound impact the show and its cast have had on their fans. Perry's death was a tragic loss, but the ability of the series to still bring joy and comfort to Kudrow and others demonstrates the timeless appeal of the show and the characters.

The details

After Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing, passed away at the age of 54 in 2024, Kudrow found herself drawn to revisiting Friends through TV marathons. She says watching the show, and particularly Perry's comedic performance, has been 'really comforting' for her. Kudrow, who previously avoided rewatching the series because she didn't like seeing herself on screen, has now embraced revisiting the show, noting that it makes her laugh and allows her to remember her co-star's incredible talent.

  • Matthew Perry passed away in 2024 at the age of 54.
  • Lisa Kudrow has been rewatching Friends since Perry's death.

The players

Lisa Kudrow

An American actress best known for playing the eccentric Phoebe Buffay on the sitcom Friends.

Matthew Perry

A Canadian-American actor who played the role of Chandler Bing on the sitcom Friends. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 54.

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What they’re saying

“After Matthew passed away there were marathons, and that was really comforting, watching the show. Also just cuz it makes me laugh. And there he was, and he was so funny. The funniest. Sorry, everybody else.”

— Lisa Kudrow, Actress

The takeaway

Kudrow's experience of finding solace in revisiting Friends after the loss of her co-star Matthew Perry underscores the enduring power of the show and its characters to bring comfort and joy to fans, even in the face of tragedy. The series' ability to transcend its original run and continue resonating with audiences speaks to its timeless appeal and the profound impact it has had on popular culture.